EchoStar Launches the World's Slimmest Digital TV Recorder

- Revolutionary Ultra Slim Box combines Freeview+ HD and Smart TV features in an ultra slim chassis; pre-order from 4 May

STEETON, England, May 3, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- EchoStar (NASDAQ: SATS), a leading supplier of added-value, connected device solutions to the digital TV industry, has launched the world's slimmest digital TV recorder (DTR) for the UK's Freeview service. The highly anticipated Ultra Slim Box (HDT-610R) houses a wealth of smart features inside a sleek, 14mm aluminium chassis, and is available on pre-order from Amazon, John Lewis and Maplin from 4 May.

(Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120502/PH99611 )

"We pride ourselves on challenging the status quo to create truly inspirational products", commented Rhod Williams, Senior Vice President and General Manager of EchoStar Europe. "We're already inviting consumers to watch their TV anywhere and now we're offering them the opportunity to own the slimmest digital TV recorder in the world. The Ultra Slim Box represents the coming of age for the DVR and is the perfect complement to the latest range of ultra slim TVs". 

The Freeview+ HD Ultra Slim Box offers consumers subscription free TV with access to 50 high quality digital channels plus 4 in HD (BBC One HD, The BBC HD Channel, ITV1 HD and Channel 4 HD), features include the ability to pause or rewind live TV and record a complete series at the touch of a button using Series Link.

"We are delighted to see innovative companies bringing exciting new products to market on the Freeview platform", said Ilse Howling, Managing Director of Freeview. "Consumers are looking forward to an exciting summer of sport and facing a packed viewing schedule, digital video recording will be one of the key features that viewers will be looking for".

Despite a compact form factor, the Ultra Slim Box's feature set is uncompromised. Underneath the hood is a high capacity 500GB hard disk drive which allows up to 300 hours of recording space, a twin tuner to ensure that consumers can watch one channel whilst recording another and an HDMI® connection for crystal clear picture quality. Internet connectivity provides access to Smart TV features including catch-up TV from BBC iPlayer, on demand* content through the BoxOffice365 service and the ability to upgrade to the latest software and features online.

EchoStar has partnered with The Connected Marketplace to bring on demand services to the Ultra Slim Box platform through the BoxOffice365 service. Kids' favourites including Thomas the Tank Engine, Fireman Sam and Bob the Builder, plus a great collection of movies from PictureBox, are all available for a monthly fee with more choices to come.

The Ultra Slim Box (HDT-610R) ships with EchoStar's award winning user interface and a set-up wizard to ensure easy installation. Intelligent software will search for HD versions of chosen TV recordings, ensuring that consumers get the best quality programming; additional show times will even be sought out should any recordings clash. A handy trailer booking feature enables recordings to be scheduled directly from programme advertisements. Dolby® Digital Plus audio is supported for home theatre enthusiasts and an infrared sensor extension lead can be purchased and used to conveniently place the unit out of sight.

Ultra Slim Box is available for pre-order online from 4 May from Amazon, John Lewis and Maplin – see retailers' own websites for the latest pricing. Products will be available for purchase in store from the end of May. Visit MyEchoStar.com for more information on the EchoStar Ultra Slim Box HDT-610R.

* On demand services may be chargeable.